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AREA SPOTLIGHT
West is best Education Culture

West Lothian is a region that’s hugely popular
Famous for a rich history, West Lothian has
with families, and just one of the reasons for
plenty of fascinating attractions to enjoy.
that is its wealth of highly regarded schools
dotted across the area. There are over 65
(famously the birthplace of Mary Queen of
Scots) and Midhope Castle, which is frequently
primary schools throughout West Lothian, These include the beautiful Linlithgow Palace
and 13 secondary schools, ten of which used as a filming location for ‘Outlander’. There’s
Why West Lothian could be the ideal place to put down roots.
appear in the top 100 rankings for 2024. also the breathtaking Blackness Castle, and the
picturesque Bonnington House for those who
Depending on the area you choose, you love to explore.
could send your child to high-ranking
schools including Linlithgow Academy, You’ll find community museums rich in local
St Margaret’s Academy, West Calder High history and culture at Armadale, Blackridge,
School and The James Young High School. Broxburn and Whitburn, as well as Linlithgow
Museum and the Almond Valley Heritage
For older children, there are also two higher
education facilities located in West Lothian. Centre.
West Lothian College has its campus in
Livingston town centre, and offers a wide Linlithgow Palace is also the home of the popular
range of courses covering subjects including ‘Party at the Palace’ festival each summer – the
early education, construction, engineering, 2024 lineup includes acts such as UB40, Ronan
beauty therapy, health and social care Keating and Bananarama.
and cookery. There’s also Scotland’s Rural
College (SRUC), with its Oatridge campus It’s not all history – West Lothian is also a popular
just outside of Broxburn. Here, students can shopping destination. Livingston is the region’s
choose from courses ranging from SVQ to shopping capital, with a large shopping centre
PhD level, covering subjects such as forestry, covering everything you could need, while the
agriculture, veterinary care, gamekeeping lure of discounted luxury brands at Livingston
and conservation management. Designer Outlet never fails to draw the crowds.
f you’re searching for your next home, you home. The average property price in West
might want to consider West Lothian, if Lothian in 2024 so far is £264,619 – over £30,000
Iyou haven’t already. Located just a short cheaper than that in Edinburgh. The difference Midhope Castle, location for ‘Outlander’
distance from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, becomes even more stark if you’re searching
West Lothian offers flexibility and ease in a for a three-bedroom family house: in Edinburgh
way that sets it apart from other locations in this will set you back £364,131 on average, but in
the Central Belt. West Lothian, you could find your ideal family
home for around £236,192. That’s a difference of
Alongside excellent commuter links, good over £125,000, making a huge difference to the
schools and plenty to see and do, West Lothian kind of home you could afford if you chose to
also provides the added bonus of more set up home in West Lothian.
affordable property prices than you’d find in
Edinburgh or Glasgow, making it a very attractive With plenty of charming towns and villages to
option for those who want to be close to the city, explore, let’s find out more about what West
but are looking to purchase a long-term family Lothian has to offer.

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